Kerala accepts 45-mtr highway proposal
SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
PANJIM, AUG 18
An all-party meeting at Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan’s office on Tuesday evening decided to accept the National Highways Authority of India’s (NHAI’s) proposal to widen the highways in the State to 45 metres. The Kerala government, which had opposed the widening and requested for a width of only 30 metres, finally gave in after the Centre put its foot down.
The meeting, however, decided to make sure that those who lose their land/house will be compensated at market prices, and evacuated only after being compensated. For shops and buildings, an adequate amount will be given for reconstruction at their new plots. The rehabilitation package will be announced soon.
The meeting decided to set up a committee headed by Public Works Department Minister M Vijayakumar to evaluate the feasibilities and difficulties in the suggestions made at the meeting. The Central government had announced that it will financially help with acquisition. The committee’s report will be submitted to the Central government for approval.
Since most of the furore is regarding land owners, Leader of the Opposition Oommen Chandy suggested that tenants should be asked to move out only after they have been compensated. The suggestion will be considered by the committee.
